• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.197-205
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• 1996

This study was conducted to examine the effect of sustained release recombinant bovine somatotropin(SR-rBST) with different dosage(0, 0.03mg/kg body weight/14 day, 0.06mg/kg body weight/14 day, 0.09mg/kg body weight/14 day) on the economical traits of the semen characteristics and sexual behaviors and blood chemical values with sixteen Holstein dairy young bulls in Dairy Cattle Improvement Center of National Livestock Co-operatives Federation. Sensual testings of collected semens of Holstein young bulls were not different among treatments (p>0.05). Ejaculated semen volumes of control, SR-rBST 0.03mg, 0.06mg and 0.09mg groups were 5.6ml, 5.6ml, 6.0ml and 6.7m, respectively, but the result of SR-rBST 0.09mg group significantly increased semen volume(P<0.05). In sperm concentration, SR-rBST 0.06mg and 0.09mg groups significantly increased the total number of sperms than the other groups(P<0.05). In otherwise, SR-rBST treatments did not affect on pH, osmotic pressure, anti forzen rate, abnormality and motility of collected semen during whole experimental period. Reaction time(RT), sexual aggressiveness(SA) and tactile stimulation(TS) were not different among treatments. The libido scores(LS) of control, 0.03mg, 0.06mg and 0.09mg groups were 68.0, 80.5, 73.9 and 80.8, respectively, and LS were significantly improved by SR-rBST administration(P<0.05). The effect of SR-rBST on scrotal circumference measurement that is important factor to determine the ability of semen production, was not different among treatments. These studies indicates that SR-rBST treatments favourably affect on semen quality and sexual libido in Holstein young bull.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.190-197
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• 2008

This study was designed to analyze boar sperm to compare motility, acrosome morphology, viability and ATP by various preservation methods between Duroc boar A with cold shock resistance sperm and Duroc boar B with cold shock sensitivity sperm. Semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal acrosome between Duroc boar A and B did not show any differences within 2 h after collection. There were no differences in sperm motility and normal acrosome between boar A and B at 1 day of preservation at $17^{\circ}C$ and $4^{\circ}C$, respectively. However, sperm motility and normal acrosome from 2 day of preservation at $17^{\circ}C$ and $4^{\circ}C$, respectively, were higher for boar A than boar B. The frozen-thawed sperm motility and normal acrosome were higher for boar A than boar B. The sperm viability and ATP concentration according to storage period of liquid semen at $17^{\circ}C$ and $4^{\circ}C$ were higher for boar A than boar B. Also, the sperm viability and ATP concentration of frozen-thawed semen were higher for boar A than boar B. In conclusion, we found out that the original quality of boar semen with cold shock resistance sperm played an important role.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.1501-1508
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• 2004

In this study the effect of extenders and temperatures on sperm viability and fertilizing capacity of boar sperm during long-term storage was investigated. Acrosomal integrity, membrane integrity, motility and hypo-osmotic resistance were evaluated by fluorescence and light microscopy. An in vitro fertilization test was performed to assess the fertilizing capacity of stored spermatozoa. The five diluents tested were ranked according to their ability to maintain sperm functional parameters and Zorlesco (ZO) extender with BSA or with PVA instead of BSA produced the best results. Zorlesco extender substituted with PVA (ZO+PVA) was found to maintain motility both at 15 and 20$^{\circ}C$. within 5 days of storage, but the quality of semen stored at 15$^{\circ}C$ decreased thereafter as compared to semen stored at 20$^{\circ}C$ Semen stored at 5$^{\circ}C$ demonstrated rapid loss of motility already within 24 h. Both fertilization and cleavage of semen stored at 20$^{\circ}C$ in ZO substituted with PVA instead of BSA did not change significantly until day 8 of storage. It is therefore concluded that PVA can be used to substitute for BSA and 20$^{\circ}C$ was more suitable than 15$^{\circ}C$ for boar semen storage, and in vitro fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa was maintained for at least 8 days in ZO+PVA at 20$^{\circ}C$.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.12
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• pp.1821-1830
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• 2023

Objective: This study investigated the effect of adding seminal plasma to frozen-thawed semen on the quality of sperm and pregnancy following insemination in dromedary camels. Methods: In experiment 1, the frozen-thawed semen from 9 collections (3 bulls) was further diluted with either the base extender or homologous seminal plasma (HSP). In the second experiment, a pooled sample of frozen-thawed semen was diluted with either seminal plasma from another three bulls. Live percentage, total and progressive motility, functional and acrosome integrity, and sperm kinematics were evaluated at 15, 60, and 120 minutes post-thawing and compared to the non-treated control. In experiment 3, frozen semen was used to inseminate camels in the following experimental groups: 1-Single insemination with double dose undiluted frozen semen (n = 9); 2-Re-insemination in 6 hours with undiluted semen (n = 13); 3-Single insemination with HSP treated sperm (n = 14). Results: Frozen-thawed sperm diluted in HSP or the non-homologous seminal plasma from Bull C indicated an improvement in all parameters after 1 hour post-thawing incubation (p<0.05). The proportion of total and progressively motile sperm did not drop significantly at 60 minutes post-thawing when diluted with the seminal plasma of Bull C (p>0.05). Double insemination with nontreated sperm and single insemination with HSP-treated sperm resulted in similar pregnancy rates (15.3% vs 21.4%, p>0.05). None of the camels conceived with double-dose single insemination of nontreated sperm. Conclusion: Seminal plasma improves sperm longevity and motility after thawing in dromedary camel with a significant between-bull variation in effect. Low post-thaw sperm longevity might be the cause behind the low pregnancy rates in frozen semen insemination of dromedary camels.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.203-209
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of the dilution ratio of Tris diluent, storage at 0℃, and long-distance transportation on the spermatozoa of Simmental cattle. It also validated the feasibility of the regional distribution of fresh semen. Methods: In experiment 1, semen was diluted at four dilution ratios (1:6, 1:9, 1:12, and 1:15) to determine the optimal dilution ratio of Tris diluent. In experiment 2, we assessed sperm viability, progressive motility (objectively assessed by computer-assisted sperm analyzer), and acrosome intactness in Tris dilutions kept at constant 0℃ for 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days. We compared them to Tianshan livestock dilutions (Commercial diluent). In experiment 3, semen was diluted using Tris diluent, and sperm quality was measured before and after long-distance transport. Artificial insemination of 177 Simmental heifers compared to 156 using Tianshan Livestock dilution. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that 1:9 was the ideal Tris diluent dilution ratio. The sperm viability, Progressive Motility, and acrosome integrity of both Tris and Tianshan dilutions preserved at 0℃ gradually decreased over time. sperm viability was above 50% for both dilutions on d 9, with a flat rate of decline. The decrease in acrosome integrity rate was faster for Tianshan livestock dilutions than for Tris dilutions when stored at 0℃ for 1 to 6 days. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in sperm viability between semen preserved in Tris diluent after long-distance transportation and semen preserved in resting condition. The conception rates for Tris dilution and Tianshan livestock dilution were 49.15% and 46.15% respectively, with no significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: This shows that Tris diluent is a good long-term protectant. It has been observed that fresh semen can be successfully preserved for long-distance transport when stored under 0℃ conditions. Additionally, it is feasible to distribute semen regionally.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.159-163
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• 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of E. coli on boar sperm quality and reproductive performance in sows after artificial insemination. Three different levels of E. coli were artificially inoculated to semen with following concentrations; Control, 500, 5,000 and 50,000 colony forming unit (cfu)/ml. Semen samples were preserved at $17^{\circ}C$ for 5 days. Sperm motility was significantly decreased (p<0.05) on day 3 in the group inoculated with 5,000 cfu/ml compared to control groups. In all treatment groups, sperm motility was gradually decreased as storage time increased, but the decline pattern was more drastic in the groups inoculated with 5,000 and 50,000 cfu/ml groups from day 3 (p<0.05) compared to control group. After 3 day of storage at $17^{\circ}C$, sperm viability in sample inoculated with the highest concentration (50,000 cfu/ml) of bacteria was less (p<0.05) than that of control group. The pH of semen sample pH was maintained 7.2~7.5 in all groups during the experimental period. No differences (p>0.05) were found for both storage time and bacterial concentration. The pregnancy rate and live born piglets tend to decrease by increasing the concentration of E. coli in semen. In particular, the rate of pregnancy was lower in the group inoculated with 50,000 cfu/ml (58.3%) compare to the other groups (81.8, 75.0, 76.5%). These results suggest that the contamination of E. coli in boar semen negatively affects fertilizing ability of boar sperm and the reproductive performance obtained from sows after artificial insemination.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Embryo Transfer Conference
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• 2002.11a
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• pp.92-92
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• 2002

Considerable attention has been focused on the cryopreservation of semen and estrus induction in dog, as consequence of poor productivity caused by long anestrus period, in order to enhance the productivity of youngs and to preserve the breeds. The objectives of this study were to evaluate semen quality after cryopreservation and to evaluate the Pregnancy rate after insemination (AI). Fifty infertilie dogs (age 2∼3 years) were selected for the study and divided into three different estrus induction treatment groups. Group 1: dogs (n=15) were given clomifene (0.1 mg/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals. Group 2: dogs (n=15) were given bromocriptine (50 $\mu\textrm{g}$/kg) orally for five days at 12 hr intervals, followed by single injection intravenously of 500 IU GnRH (Group 3, n=20) when pro-estrus occurred. The rates of pregnancy in estrus inducted dogs mated naturally compared to those inseminated artificially with ejaculated fresh semen and frozen-thawed semen. Estrus detection was performed using the method of vaginal smear and confirmed by the plasma progesterone assay. The ejaculated semen to freeze was exposed to a mixture of Tris extender with cryoprotectant (Trisma, 81 mM: TES, 209 mM: citric acid, 6 mM; glucose, 5 mM; glycerol, 8%) and cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at 17 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen (LN$_2$) for 23 min. The motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. To assess their viability and acrosome content, spermatozoa were stained with a vital stain and Fluorescence conjugated lectin Pisum Savitum Agglutinin (FITC/PAS), respectively. Pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasonograpy on day 25, 35 and 55 post insemination. The use of fresh semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 66.6, 75.0 and 83.3% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. The use of frozen-thawed semen, the pregnancy rates were observed 66.6, 33.3, 50.0 and 60.0% in natural estrus, clomifene induced, bromocriptine induced and a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine, respectively. No difference was observed in the number of offspring produced among natural estrus and treated groups inseminated with fresh or frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, the pregnancy rate of dogs treated with a combination of GnRH and bromocriptine was more effective than use of clomifene or bromocriptine only. In addition, frozen-thawed semen can be used successfully far artificial insemination in dog.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.176-184
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to understand current situation of acupuncture and moxibustion for male infertility. Methods: We searched all relevant studies of male infertility patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. Electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and 4 Korean databases until October 2013. Results: A total of 10 reports were included in the review. Two case reports, one case series, three before and after studies, one cohort study, one non-randomized controlled study and two randomized controlled studies were reviewed. Although the majority of studies suggested a positive effect of acupuncture on male infertility, the quality of studies was low. Data on adverse effects were lacking. Conclusions: We found a benefit from acupuncture for poor semen quality in male infertility. These findings should be treated with caution as the evidence was low or very low quality. To further evaluate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion in male infertility, well-designed randomized controlled studies are needed.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.141-146
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• 1990

12 crossbreed boars received 4 rations containing varying levels of lysine and DL-methionine. The results obtained from this study are summarized as follows ; 1. Semen volume, total sperm number of the treatment B, C and D were increased significantly (p<0.05) as compared with the treatment A but abnormal sperm percent of treatment B and C was decreased significantly (p<0.05) as compared with A. Sperm number and sperm mortility were not different from treatments. 2. Amino acids contents of sperm plasma were not different from treatments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.5
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• pp.622-637
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• 2017

Fatty acids such as n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are critical nutrients, used to improve male reproductive performance through modification of fatty acid profile and maintenance of sperm membrane integrity, especially under cold shock or cryopreservation condition. Also, PUFA provide the precursors for prostaglandin synthesis and can modulate the expression patterns of many key enzymes involved in both prostaglandin and steroid metabolism. Many studies carried out on diets supplemented with PUFA have demonstrated their capability to sustain sperm motility, viability and fertility during chilling and freezing as well as improving testis development and spermatogenesis in a variety of livestock species. In addition to the type and quantity of dietary fatty acids, ways of addition of PUFA to diet or semen extender is very crucial as it has different effects on semen quality in male ruminants. Limitation of PUFA added to ruminant ration is due to biohydrogenation by rumen microorganisms, which causes conversion of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids, leading to loss of PUFA quantity. Thus, many strategies for protecting PUFA from biohydrogenation in rumen have been developed over the years. This paper reviews four aspects of PUFA in light of previous research including rumen metabolism, biological roles, influence on reproduction, and strategies to use in male ruminants.